Kepak Group

European meat processor with global reach

NPD Technologist - Bought-In Goods

Manufacturing & Process EngineeringPosted on Nov 13

Full-timeDublin, IrelandNo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A degree or diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline, or a culinary qualification supported by relevant food product development experience.
At least 2 years of experience in an NPD, Technical, or Product Development role in the food industry.
Ability to turn a written opportunity or concept into a tangible product prototype and communicate the intended sensory, functional, and application outcome.
Good understanding of food manufacturing, ingredient functionality, specifications, allergens, and product quality requirements.
Experience working with external suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders to progress multiple development projects.
Strong sensory judgement, tasting facilitation, benchmarking, and product evaluation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and comfort using project management and NPD systems.
Full driving licence and willingness to travel to supplier kitchens, production sites, customers, and market visits as required.

Responsibilities

Create and refine early-stage food and application prototypes in Kepak and supplier kitchens.
Partner with supplier development teams to transform concepts into commercially successful products.
Support project delivery through the Kepak NPD and Stage Gate process, keeping timelines, risks, and actions on track.
Coordinate product samples, tastings, benchmark reviews, trials, and product assessments.
Develop clear development briefs that communicate product vision and consumer outcomes.
Work with Technical and Quality teams to ensure compliance, specifications, food safety, allergens, and documentation requirements are met.
Support packaging development, artwork approval, supplier onboarding, and launch readiness activities.
Prepare products and applications for customer presentations and internal reviews, showcasing product performance and recommendations.
Contribute to cost optimisation, sustainability initiatives, alternative sourcing projects, and continuous product improvement.
Maintain accurate project documentation, development records, and stakeholder communications throughout the development journey.

Desired Qualifications

Practical kitchen-development or culinary prototyping experience.

NPD Technologist (Bought-In Goods)

Kepak Group · Dublin, Ireland (Hybrid) · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-13

Workplace: hybrid

Department: NPD

Description

Kepak Foods Division have developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland and chosen European markets for both Retail and Foodservice Customers. We have 5 Manufacturing Sites supported by shared services, with over 800 people supporting our vision to become a transformed, future proofed, profitable €0.5bn Food Business by 2030.

We're looking for an NPD Technologist (Bought-In Goods) to play a key role in turning exciting product opportunities into successful market launches for our site in Blanchardstown, Dublin..

Working closely with our NPD Product Manager, suppliers, and cross-functional teams, you'll help bring new concepts to life through hands-on prototyping, product evaluation, supplier collaboration, and project delivery. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys both the creativity of food development and the structure of managing products through a robust NPD process.

What you'll be doing

Create and refine early-stage food and application prototypes in both Kepak and supplier kitchens
Partner with supplier development teams to transform concepts into commercially successful products
Support the delivery of projects through the Kepak NPD and Stage Gate process, keeping timelines, risks, and actions on track
Coordinate product samples, tastings, benchmark reviews, trials, and product assessments
Develop clear and engaging development briefs, ensuring product vision and consumer outcomes are communicated effectively
Work closely with Technical and Quality teams to ensure compliance, specifications, food safety, allergens, and documentation requirements are met
Support packaging development, artwork approval, supplier onboarding, and launch readiness activities
Prepare products and applications for customer presentations and internal reviews, showcasing product performance and recommendations
Contribute to cost optimisation, sustainability initiatives, alternative sourcing projects, and continuous product improvement
Maintain accurate project documentation, development records, and stakeholder communications throughout the development journey

Requirements

Degree or diploma in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline, or a culinary qualification supported by relevant food product development experience.
Minimum 2+ years experience in an NPD, Technical or Product Development role in the food industry; practical kitchen-development or culinary prototyping experience is strongly desirable.
Ability to turn a written opportunity or concept into a tangible product prototype and communicate the intended sensory, functional and application outcome.
Good understanding of food manufacturing, ingredient functionality, specifications, allergens and product quality requirements.
Experience working with external suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders to progress multiple development projects.
Strong sensory judgement, tasting facilitation, benchmarking and product evaluation skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and comfortable using project management and NPD systems.
Full driving licence and willingness to travel to supplier kitchens, production sites, customers and market visits as required.

Benefits

What can we offer you?

Company Pension
Paid Maternity Leave
Further Education support - You’ll have clear pathways for advancement, supported by continuous professional development and a range of learning opportunities
Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to Get up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.
Bike to Work Scheme - Purchase a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees

IND

Apply

Apply at Kepak Group

About the Company

Kepak Group

European meat processor with global reach

Kepak Group is a large meat processor based in Ireland with 14 facilities across Ireland and the UK and sales offices worldwide. It produces and markets a wide range of fresh and value-added meat products for international foodservice and retail markets, guided by consumer insight and ongoing R&D. The company combines scale with a family-owned culture, offering a broad portfolio of brands and a strong focus on sustainable production, being a founding member of Origin Green. Its goal is to grow the business and its people, expanding its international footprint while maintaining high quality, sustainability, and value for customers.

Company size: 1,001-5,000
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $2.2M
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Founded: 1981

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Kepak Group

See more jobs